Fringe World 2017 – the artists’ top picks

In addition to sharing the shows I most want to see at Fringe World 2017, I thought I’d do something different this year and ask some of Perth’s most-loved Fringe World performers and producers what shows they want to see this year.

I hope you enjoy getting the inside scoop on unmissable shows from the artists involved in Fringe World this year.

Tomás Ford

John Robertson: The Dark Room is so much fun, he plays a ridiculous retro dungeon adventure computer game with the audience while bullying them in the most hilarious way. You’ve gotta do that.

I’m pretty excited about all the stuff I’ve got coming down to Mandurah, actually. Basically asked a pile of my mates from around the international circuit to come over and they all said yes, so we’ve got QUITE the program.

Outside of that, probably Stewart Bowden and Wil Greenway – their shows have been a big inspiration for me, if in some of the more story stuff I’m doing this year, so if you haven’t seen them, do that.

But I’m always excited to try out new acts, see local gigs and generally venture into the unknown – that’s when a Fringe feels really Fringey for me.

I’d like to catch some of Adam Peter Scott’s ‘Over-commitment Trilogy’ (he’s producing three shows this year – see above!), the sequel to Pupperotica – cleverly titled Come Again, and Lola’s Showgirl Smear Campaign because it’s such a bold and brave concept that really has a strong meaning to me.

In terms of good magic shows, I’m always excited to see what Stuart Lightbody has in store. His card work is so clean, so clever, and I always have so much to learn from him. He’s got a new show this year, so I’m pretty keen to check it out.

Last year I caught Jamie MacDowell and Tom Thum, and it was actually one of my favourite shows. Not just because of their musicality and respective individual skills, but more so the chemistry between them, and the casual flow that they seem to have that you really can’t get unless you’re really tight, and I think that love is contagious.

Also keen to check out Otto & Astrid – Eurosmash!, having seen them two or maybe three years ago but never since. I’m not usually a fan of musical comedy, but something about that duo that did it for me. Maybe it’s the pseudo-sibling thing they got going on, or the clownesque make up…

Something that may not appeal to as wide an audience but I’m really looking forward to is “AA” Abnormal Asian by Jinx Yeo. Another act that I chanced upon last year and his style of humour really resonated with me, not sure if it’s because we both grew up in Singapore, but he’s been doing quite well on the circuits and I think he’s on the rise and am definitely looking forward to hearing some of his new material.

Adam Peter Scott – photo by Shuan Ferraloro

Lola Moore

Lucinda Panties – photo by Wild Kat Photography

Circus Carnis – photo by Desnoir Designs

Essie Foxglove – photo by Shaun Ferraloro

Jon Madd – photo by Jacqueline Jane

Tomas Ford – photo by Shaun Ferraloro

Stella Hui

And there you have it – the inside scoop on the shows to see in 2017! A massive thankyou to those who submitted their picks and if you’re going to Fringe World this year I hope this inspires you to take a chance on a new show or artist!